If you hate spiders, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, arachnophobia is one of the most common fears out there, right alongside heights and sharks.
However, knowing that your fear and hatred of spiders is normal doesn’t mean you have to share your space with them! Here are some of the top reasons why spiders move into homes, and how you can keep them out!
Causes of Spider Infestations
We know and understand why people are scared of spiders and don’t like them. They’re creepy, crawly, hairy and they like to sneak around in dark corners. Fortunately, we also know why spiders sometimes decide to move into human homes. Here are the top reasons why you might have some eight-legged squatters.
Cluttered & Unused Rooms
If you’ve ever been into an abandoned building and seen spiderwebs everywhere, then you already know that spiders love spaces that are quiet, where things don’t move very often, and where they won’t be disturbed.
Your home doesn’t have to be abandoned to be perfect spider real estate. If you have a cluttered garage or storeroom, you might be creating the perfect home for a spider or twenty.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather sends all creatures running (and scuttling) and if your home is the closest safe place that’s also accessible, they’re likely to take refuge there.
Keep windows and doors closed when there’s extreme weather, and make sure you have weather stripping and screens in place.
Food Sources
All animals have to eat, and since most spiders are carnivorous, that means they eat smaller animals and insects. Which means if you want to keep spiders out of your home, you also need to get rid of any other critters that might have moved in.
Plants and Compost Around the Home
There’s a reason why we’re so shocked to find spiders in our home. It’s surprising, because we never see them moving in! Spiders are very good at sneaking around dark corners, and you probably don’t see half the spiders that do pass through your home.
Often, they do this by taking advantage of plants, compost heaps, rubbish bins and other things that are kept close to our home. So, when you move those things, you help keep spiders out.
Hitching a Ride
Spiders can find their way into your home on all sorts of things. Fruit from a farmer’s market. A box from your shed. Second hand goods that you bought online. Always check things for spiders before you bring them in, and if you have a covered outdoor space to leave larger items overnight, consider doing that so all the passengers can get off before you bring it in!
When to Call the Pros
Most of the tips we’ve mentioned here work very well before you have a spider problem. But if they’ve already moved in and you need them gone, you’ll need a qualified pest control company. It’s difficult to get rid of any kind of animal that has moved in and taken over, but the professionals know how to get it done.